Golf Course Scouting Report: TPC Twin Cities

The following is a review of TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota, the site of the 2024 3M Open. It includes ratings and corresponding justifications. The following qualities are rated on a scale of one to 10 relative to other championship-caliber courses, with five being average:

Memorable Holes: The number of standout holes along with the degree of memorability or iconic nature of those holes.

Interest: The level of excitement, uniqueness and/or interesting shots encountered when playing the course or watching professional tournaments on the course.

Par Threes: The quality, variety, and memorability of the course's par-three holes.

Difficulty: The volume of high-level shots required to shoot a respectable score on the golf course; i.e., the overall difficulty of the golf course.

Finishing Holes: The quality and memorability of the final three holes on the golf course; the potential for dramatic finishes to a tournament as well as past iconic/memorable moments factor into this rating.

Overall: The average of the five ratings listed above.

TPC Twin Cities is a solid, exciting golf course and serves as a quality host for entertaining tournament golf.

Ratings

Memorable Holes: 6.5

TPC Twin Cities possesses a handful of holes that will stick in visitors' minds upon leaving the property. The par fives are lengthy and adventurous, all three of which incorporate large water hazards. There are also multiple difficult par fours with significant water hazards as well as the par-three 17th that plays over a lake. There are a couple instances when the doglegs and water features feel redundant, but overall this is a memorable layout.

Interest: 6.5

In the grand scheme of things, Twin Cities is not extraordinary in comparison to its championship-level peers. It is not unique to find golf courses on the PGA Tour that feature large artful bunkers and shots played over water. This golf course, however, implements these traits very well; Arnold Palmer was not shy about forcing Tour players into mid-iron approach shots over lakes to shallow greens. One of the most refreshing aspects of TPC Twin Cities is the nervy risk-reward shots required to score well at the par fives, most notably the all-carry second shot over the huge water hazard on the 18th hole.

Par Threes: 6.5

The par threes feel a bit cookie-cutter, but they are interesting and difficult enough to be considered above average. The 177-yard fourth is a hole that feels like it has been seen on 30 percent of championship golf courses with its average length, bunkers long and right, and water left. The eighth and 13th, however, are longer par-three holes with strategic bunkering, making the greens difficult to hit and allowing for a variety of hole locations. The 202-yard 17th is an engaging hole, but with the typical carry over water and bunkers long, there is nothing particularly original about it.

Difficulty: 5.5

TPC Twin Cities would likely be a blood bath for a mediocre golfer like yours truly, but for PGA Tour pros, it is manageable. There are a few truly difficult holes, most notably the 502-yard par-four ninth which features a water hazard fronting a very shallow green. Additionally, more disasters can be found at the water-logged second, fourth, and aforementioned 17th. Most of the remaining penalty areas on the course are found on the par fives; they are not to be ignored, but they lose some of their teeth when placed on scoring holes.

Finishing Holes: 7

TPC Twin Cities' greatest strength is its finishing stretch. Players have an opportunity to score at the short par-four 16th before facing the nerve-racking 17th where anything hit short will ruin a round. The par-five 18th is an outstanding finishing hole; at 596 yards on the card, water comes into play down the right side on every shot of this dogleg right. It is a thrilling sight to see contending players aim a three wood straight over the vast lake to a green that sits 250 yards away.

Overall: 6.4

In general, TPC Twin Cities is an entertaining layout with a solid balance of difficult holes and scoring opportunities. It isn't particularly outstanding in any one category, but it is sure to provide a fair test of golf and an entertaining finish to any professional event.